Late November Flying

I love paragliding in late Autumn / early Winter!  The air is cold, snow occasionally falls, most all pilots are now in hibernation for the winter, and what is left is pure paragliding serenity.  Sure with the cold air, flights now become much shorter, and every foot of altitude gained is required to be earned through burning legs and lungs.  Perhaps this difficulty, makes it all the more special.

Paul, Mark and I continue to hike...regardless of snow, or sun.  It is a great opportunity for us to hike and fly, not only the standard launches, but offers a great excuse to explore new launches along the Wasatch we have been eyeing now for some time.  I am thankful for great friends who are just as passionate about flying as I am.  Thankful they are always willing and excited to get out and hike, no matter if the ground is white or brown.  

On a standard routine flight off Grandeur, we all three swoop into the landing zone, all smiles.  My eight year old daughter walks up to me and says "Dad, I think you guys should be called the DEAF Crew."  Not sure what she meant, so she proceeded to explain it to me, and what it meant.  It is often said that from the mouth of babes comes wisdom, and my daughter is very creative.  What does it mean?  Well, that may just have to be saved for a later date :o)   

Earth Below Us

A weak storm has passed through, and that is just fine with me.  What little snow did drop, is now fading enough to get up to Bountiful.  Paul, Mark and I head up for a beautiful afternoon of Paragliding at The V.  The conditions are calm, the wind is light out of the southwest, and after two fabulous flights, the sun is now fading into another beautiful winter sunset.  Every time I fly, look down at the earth below, I am reminded of what a dream this is.  Even though flights are now shorter, every time my feet leave the ground, I realize it is a miracle.

Final Days of Autumn

As Autumn officially comes to a close as the first real winter storm approaches, I have to step back and take a look over the last few weeks.  It continues to be some great flying, and we seem to have transitioned from the thermal days of summer, to the hike-n-fly conditions of winter.  Paul, Matt and I have been spending a lot of time on Granduer, Roman and I ended up flying Cherry Canyon one more time, and Matt and I got a great flight off the North Side at The Point.  It is a very rare occurrence to get the entire Point to yourself, but Matt and I received that privilege...rewards to those who are not afraid to hike.  Beautiful glass of conditions and flying in the smooth cold air.


With Autumn ending, I look excitedly towards the joys of winter flying.  It seems most pilots have holed up for the winter, but for us, flying is ALWAYS good, and every season has its rewards.